Honorees

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State Honoree

Zane Magee

Zane Magee, 17, of Montgomery, Texas, a senior at Montgomery High School, formed a nonprofit ministry that supports deployed soldiers and military veterans in a variety of ways, including providing them with Bibles and care packages, organizing fundraisers, raising awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even writing an inspirational book to honor and support servicemen and women. Zane has always admired the people who fight for their country. When he was 10, “I wanted to be a part of the military and the only way I could at a young age was to support those that were actually serving or had served,” he said. When he heard about the prevalence of PTSD in the military, he knew he wanted to do something to help.

He started by collecting Bibles at his church and sending them to deployed soldiers. Soon after, he began sending care packages containing toiletries and snacks to troops. When he was 13, his “Beyond the Battlefield Ministry” became a nonprofit organization and he established a Facebook page to convey information about special military programs, organizations and events for veterans. Zane also planned fundraisers, including a gun tournament and a gala. A conversation with a Navy Seal about PTSD and how faith can aid in healing led Zane to write a book, Hope & Help for Heroes, and donate 1,000 copies to veterans and veterans organizations. Altogether, Zane estimates that he has contributed $36,000 in cash donations, gifts and assistance to benefit soldiers and veterans. “Those that serve in the military are heroes and deserve our honor and respect,” said Zane. “They are sacrificing and fighting for our freedom, and are willing to lay down their lives for our country.”